Arnold Schwarzenegger Loses Sponsor Over ‘Anti-American’ Remarks

Arnold Schwarzenegger Loses Sponsor Over ‘Anti-American’ Remarks

The former governor of California’s rant attacking anti-maskers last week has cost his annual bodybuilding event a major sponsor.

In a recent interview, the “Terminator” star called the Americans who object to wearing masks in public “schmucks,” tacking on “screw your freedom” to the people who believe the government’s mandates infringe upon their rights. 

Days later in an op-ed, he claimed that his passion for “keeping America great” caused him to lose his temper. “I’ll admit, calling people schmucks and saying ‘Screw your freedom’ was a little much,” but said he still believes in his original message. 

As a result, his bodybuilding event, the Arnold Classic, has lost longtime sponsor REDCON1, a sports nutrition brand. 

“To be clear we did not pull out of the event because of a mask issue. We understand the importance of public safety as well as the responsibilities of all event organizers,” said a REDCON1 spokesperson. “These are unprecedented times and we’re aligned with public safety for all. We elected to discontinue support due to Arnold’s comment, ‘Screw Your Freedoms.” 

The statement went on to say that Schwarzenegger’s “global influence” made the anti-American ideology “dangerous.” 

“REDCON1 is a patriotic pro-freedom brand rooted in the uncompromising unapologetic belief that you, as an American, are entitled to your freedoms and opinion and should not be insulted or persecuted for having a varying view. We support everyone’s individual freedoms,” the spokesperson concluded.

REDCON1 founder Aaron Singerman mourned the loss of working with his fitness “role model” and pulling out of an event that his company has sponsored for at least a decade. 

“It’s with a heavy heart and some genuine sadness, that REDCON1 has decided to discontinue any and all support for the Arnold Classic and the other Arnold-related events around the world,” Singerman posted to Instagram.

“We’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars being a top sponsor of the event, and this year the exclusive sponsor of the webcast, but we can’t in good conscience continue to support & be involved with someone who has such diametrically opposed beliefs.”

Marie Finn